Whether you are a beginner or an expert when it comes to surviving in the forest, you can always take away a few key tips that will help improve anything from your strength levels to the way you adapt to forest life.
Today we wanted to help you by offering our top 5 facts when it comes to survival tips in the forest. Follow these are you won’t go wrong.
Survival Tip One – Get a Map of the Area
The first thing you need to do is make sure you know the area you are going to be exploring, do not under any circumstances just go off on your own thinking you know the area. This is very dangerous.
Maps can be sought from local shops for next to nothing and offers you the chance to research the forest, which will allow you to easily navigate the area. From a map of the area you can see where certain key landmarks are, and important water sources.
Survival Tip Two – Pack Important Equipment
The second most important aspect is to be prepared in terms of equipment, because you never know when you are going to need a knife, a compass or a band aid. Of course, you don’t want to take everything but the kitchen sink with you, that will only weigh you down. You need to think logically and pack only those items that really will come in handy.
Start with the following items:
- check
- check
- check
- check
- check
There are other items that come at personal preference but these are the key items you need to pack, and none of them are heavy or take up too much space.
Survival Tip Three – Find Somewhere to Sleep
Now, this could be a matter of a life or death and you need to pay close attention to where you lay your head. Caves may look well sheltered, warm and comfortable enough for you to take shelter in but guess what? You probably aren’t the only one that thinks that!
Caves can be occupied by bears, snakes and other animals and reptiles that could seriously harm or even kill you.
Instead look for fallen debris, like trees that have come down in winds, and then collect branches so you can build yourself a shelter. Once you have done this it’s a good idea to add large green leaves or brush that can help keep you warm and block out wind and rain, keeping you dry throughout the night.
If possible, try and build something off the ground as well or find a good location where the ground is good for sleeping on.
Survival Tip Four – Take Communication with You
You never know when you may need your Smartphone, and despite signal being poor in forest locations it’s still worth packing a fully charged phone in your bag (just remember to keep it turned off until you need it).
With signal you can use the GPS on your phone and you can also use it to text or make calls in the event of an emergency.
If you do need to use your phone look for high vantage points where you are more likely to pick up a signal, however weak it may be, it could be a lifesaving call.
Survival Tip Five – Find Water or Food Sources
Lakes are usually one of the most common water sources, and if are near one but don’t have purifying tablets then think about boiling the water first to remove any bacteria that may make you ill.
Other water sources include: Stream, river and rain water, all of which will need to be boiled or purified before you drink it.
In terms of food to survive on, water sources are where you need to be as minnows and other bugs and insects will provide a good source of nutrition. Just cook them before you eat them and don’t eat anything mushrooms, berries or any brightly colored insects or bugs as these could all be potentially poisonous to you.